Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Department for Education

News and Updates

Year of Oscar Romero

To commemorate the centenary of the birth of Blessed Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of El Salvador, the Diocesan Department for Education is producing monthly resources for schools. Resources include background information and suggestions of how to celebrate the year in school, a Year of Oscar Romero Plan and a Romero prayer bag which can be found on the Year of Oscar Romero page.

Celebrating the Year of Oscar Romero in St Mary’s First School, Hexham

Special prayer stations where children can reflect upon the life of this special priest were set up. Prayers written by the children reminds us of his bravery. The colourful El Salvador crosses, rainbow material and colour changing candle remind us of how Romero's work brought brightness and cheer to even the bleakest of lives.

'God's light is like the light of the sun, it shines on everything, even the things people don't want us to see'

Oscar Romero

We would love to see how your school has been celebrating the Year of Oscar Romero. Please send us information and pictures of your activities and displays for our website and gallery.

On Tuesday 20 June 2017 the Diocesan Education and Formation Mass took place at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle with Bishop Séamus Cunningham.

The Mass was a celebration of Diocesan faithfulness to the Church's educational and formational mission and the commitment of all who contribute to this in any way. Thanks was given for the work of those who have made a specific contribution to education or formation. Bishop Séamus presented retiring headteachers, school staff and governors with episcopal blessings.